Sands of Time---The Phelps Family of Caswell And Person Co.

Sands of Time---The Phelps Family of Caswell And Person Co.

The Family Historian By: Mark PhelpsThe phone rings right after dinner and we cringe thinking it’s another telemarketer calling but it’s that worrywart Mark Phelps wanting to know when did Aunt Bessie die, and who did she marry and not only that but when did it happen. Then he wants to know about all her children and even her grandchildren. We never cared for Aunt Bessie that much to begin with so why should we care about these silly little details of her life. We just want to be left alone and not have to get involved in this family business!How many people at your workplace or the neighbors you bump into can tell you who their 4th Great-Grandfather was or much less what his life was like. Many people never knew their Grandparents much less anybody past that. Ask the average person what their Great-Grandmother’s maiden name was and you probably get a blank stare. I myself have Presidents in my ancestry and much is known about these people because they were important and someone bothered to write down their history so that generations later their story could be told. It’s just as important to the Family Historian how the modest farmer in Caswell County, North Carolina in the 1700’s made his way through this mortal life.The first time you gaze upon a document that was written over 200 years ago about someone that had the same blood coursing through his or her veins as you do today, it’s an absolutely mesmerizing experience. Just try it some time and you’ll see. Go to a county courthouse and read an old will, land deed or marriage certificate about someone that lived during the time of the Civil War or even better yet during the Revolutionary War. See their signatures there on the 200 year old paper, see how simple their possessions were, see where they lived, and the legacy they left to their family however humble it may be. Some were better off than others and could leave large tracts of land or dozens of slaves to their descendants but most left a small piece of what it had taken them a lifetime to achieve and just wanted to share it with his family in the hopes that it would always remain a secure place for generations to come.How many people could even fathom a time when young girls married at 14, had 14 children and faced death at every birth or feared the child most likely wouldn’t make it to it’s first birthday. When a simple cold that we treat as a mere inconvenience today could send you to an early grave, unless you were just tough enough to survive. Many didn’t! You exist today because someone made it through the diseases, the wars, the trials that man has faced throughout the annals of recorded history. They survived so you could have a chance to face the brave new world of tomorrow.Being a Family Historian is most of the time a thankless job. Countless hours researching old documents that you need a degree sometimes just to translate it. Running down leads only to crash headlong into a brick wall because a careless census taker didn’t do his job, or the British Army burned the courthouse and all the ancestral records that it held. Traipsing through snake and tick infested cemeteries that are sometimes scary even in broad daylight and after having risked your personal well being to find you have just completed another wild goose chase. Your spouse is angry because you’re chasing the dead when you’re among the living. Other’s think you’ve flipped your wig because all you want to talk about is someone who turned to dust 100 years ago. So why do they do it? Because they think it’s important to know where you came from, that some day when they’re too old and feeble to continue, that someone in the family will pick up the family flag and march proudly forward into the future, while preserving the past, so 200 years from now when someone asks “What was your Great-Grandmothers maiden name?” They can say “Sit down and I’ll tell you all about it”

Hattie Belle Morton Lunsford---My Grandmother(93 KB)Hattie Belle--Mother of Reba Jean Lunsford Phelps-- Wife of William Perry Lunsford--Daughter of James Monroe Morton and Cannie Elizabeth Blackwell-Granddaughter of Vincent Lea Morton and Isabella Oliver--Gr-Grandaughter of Elijah Morton and Mary(Polly)Lea. I know for certain one thing my grandmother is doing on the heavenly shores right now--"FISHING"--Something she loved to do here on earth.--She could give you the "dickens" and then make you smile with her "cackling" laugh-- She also made the best Chicken & Dumplings you ever ate--It has been said that she couldn't throw out the dishwater without hitting my father(her son-in-law) as he would be trying to "sneak" a piece of her "famous" Lemon Icebox Pie.--She had a fantastic memory and spent many hours telling me names,stories & events about our family history and gave me a great start on my geneaology research and never tired of talking to me about it.--Her line's in the water and she's watching that cork right now!!!

The Phelps Brothers of Corbett Ridge(385 KB)(L to R)Gordon--Latham--Milton--When they were the cat's meow!!!--My Father Latham and his two brothers--"Hide the women" when these three were on the prowl--Not to mention they could "Cut a Rug" on the dancefloor at the local Legion Hut or between dances get into a scrape with some of the other farmboys--According to my dad they set some new landspeed records on the rural roads of Caswell Co.in the 40's--They all worked hard on the family tobacco farm--Gordon and Milton Enlisted in the Navy during World War 11--Latham couldn't go because he was the only son left to help on the farm(much to his dismay)as he wanted to go too--They all married and today there are many descendants of the Phelps Brothers of Corbett Ridge including myself

Graveside Gathering For- William Cook (1848--1943)(189 KB)The family gathers at the gravesite of My Great- Great Grandfather William Cook in 1943.He was the Father of Mattie Cook Lunsford--Mother of William Perry Lunsford. In the top picture my Great-Grandmother Mattie is 2nd from the right with man with hat in hand holding her arm--her Husband Walter Thomas Lunsford is on the far left-(behind flowers)--Tragically he died the very next year

Margaret Trollinger--(1833-1919)(167 KB)My Gr-Gr-Gr-Grandmother--Margaret Trollinger was born in 1833.She married Willis Harder(1836-1863)-- Son Of Joseph Harder(1808-1874)After he was killed in the Civil War she remarried John W. Smith.She was the daughter of Henry Trollinger Jr.(1805-1899)and Mary(Polly)Blanchard. She was the grandaughter of Henry Trollinger Sr.(1762-1844) a Revolutionary Soldier, and Mary Thomas. According to my Grandmother Catherine Walker Phelps (Gr-Grandaughter of Margaret) she was a stern woman with not much fun in her, because of her "strict" German ancestry. She lived hard after her husband died in the Civil War, with just enough land for a house and not enough to farm,poor but proud she remarried later on and was able to provide a better life for her family. She died in 1919 while my Grandmother was there visiting.

Robert Young Walker (1842-1914)(100 KB)Robert Young Walker-with his 2nd wife Ruth Miller and their son Jack--Robert Young Walker was the son of George Washington Walker and Lucy Dortch--the grandson of Robert Walker and Ellenor Latta--the great grandson of William Walker-The Loyalist--He was my Gr-Gr-Grandfather.He was the father of Charles Young Walker.The middle name "Young" came from his maternal grandfather Young Dortch.--Robert Young Walker served in the Civil War--he enlisted in Orange Co. NC Sept.10th 1861--Was wounded and captured at Hanover Pa. June 30th 1863 and released at Baltimore Md. Aug. 23rd 1863--he was present and accounted for thru Sept. 1864--2 of his brothers also served George W. Walker Jr. and Sgt. William S. Walker who died of disease in the War, at Edenton,NC Nov. 26th 1861.

Charles Young Walker--(1877-1962)(90 KB)Charlie Walker-- My Great-Grandfather-Son of Robert Young Walker and Nancy Jane Cole-Father of Catherine Walker Phelps--Grandson of George Washington Walker and Lucy Ann Dortch--Gr-Grandson of Robert Walker and Ellenor Latta---Gr-GR-Grandson of William Walker "The Loyalist"----I have fond memories of my Grt.Grandfather,he used to gather the children together and tell us wonderful tales & stories,through his white handlebar moustache he could weave a story that would hold you in a spell--He gave me my first "chew" of tobacco--Which as soon as I swallowed some of the juice made me instantly sick--He was always kind to me,and I only wish I could have known him longer.I was 12 when he died.

The Good Ole Days--Getting My First Suntan(62 KB)In the front yard of the Phelps Home on Corbett Ridge- My Father and Mother,my 1st cousin Sharon Phelps, and that's me on the blanket--Probably around 1951--And a couple of bird dogs essential to any self-respecting Southern Gentleman

My Mother--One On Her Lap And One On The Way(79 KB)Taken at a baby shower in 1953--Carrying my brother Gary with me on her lap at my grandparents home.My sister Susan was still just a gleam in my parents eyes. She wouldn't arrive until 1957,3 months before my Grandfather Elmo Phelps died

The Walker Sisters(80 KB)(L to R)Nannie--Tinnie-Phronia-Catherine-Maude--Daughters of Charles Young Walker and Lena Rivers Murray

My Mother and her Brother in 1934(46 KB)My Mother and her brother Harold in 1934 in Reidsville N.C., where my Grandfather worked for the Highway Dept. My Mother was 4 and Harold was 8

My FamilyV.I.P.'s---Three American Presidents(99 KB)A family tree chart showing our relationship to three American Presidents---James Madison--The 4th President of the United States--Zachary Taylor--The 12th President of the United States--Jefferson Davis--President of The Confederate States of America---The person at the bottom the chart "Reba Lunsford" is my Mother. Research and Chart supplied by my 2nd cousin Dr.William Mark Faucette.His Grandmother Gladys Elizabeth Morton and my Grandmother Hattie Belle Morton were Sisters

VincentLeaMorton - Nannie Morton Stephens(80 KB)Vincent L. Morton(1823-1902)-Son of Elijah-Father of James Monroe Morton...Picture on the right is his daughter,one of 14 children,Nannie Morton Stephens.--His wife Isabella Oliver was 14 when they married

Ellis B. Fitzgerald &Ruth Jane Salome Albarty(83 KB)Ellis Fitzgerald(1849-1909)& his wife Ruth Albarty(1847-1926) --Parents of Molly Fitzgerald Phelps--wife of Wyatt Edward Phelps---Ellis's Father William F. Fitzgerald(1827-1862)was born in Pittsylvania County,Virginia,and resided as a farmer in Guilford County,N.C.,where he enlisted in the Confederacy for the Civil War at age 34 August 27th,1861. He was killed in the battle at Malvern Hill,Virginia July 1st,1862. Ellis Fitzgerald was the eldest son of William F. Fitzgerald and Sara(Sally)A.Elizabeth Woods. Ellis had three younger brothers-James,William & Thomas Yancey Fitzgerald(1857-1894)who marriedCorinna Frances Phelps(1861-1904)were ancestors of Bob Timberlake-the Artist.The picture of Ellis & Ruth above is thought to be their wedding picture,and was graciously supplied by my Cousin Kathy Parker Oakley-Daughter of Kathleen Phelps-My Great-Aunt-sister of My Grandfather Elmo Phelps.

Lewis Elmo Phelps (1896-1957) My Grandfather(159 KB)Lewis "Elmo" Phelps-Son of Wyatt Edward Phelps and Molly Fitzgerald-Grandson of Thomas H. Phelps and Elizabeth Eubank--Husband of Catherine Walker Phelps--Father of Wilford Latham Phelps--I was only 7 when my Grandfather died in 1957 from Emphysema--I can still remember from my childhood seeing him bent over at the waist,holding his knees,trying to get his breath. Elmo married Catherine Walker Nov.22nd,1924 in Person County,N.C.After they married they lived for the first years in a log cabin across the road from his father's homeplace(See The Phelps Cabin Picture on this site).In this humble cabin their first 2 Sons were born--Gordon Elmo(1925),Wilford Latham(1928),Milton Walker was to come later in 1930.They eventually bought their own farm of about 300 acres on Corbett Ridge in Caswell Co. and raised Tobacco and other crops along with their 3 sons

Walter Thomas Lunsford-- My Great Grandfather(53 KB)Walter Thomas Lunsford--Son of Payton L.Lunsford born 1823(a Civil War soldier) and Margaret Fuqua--Husband of Mattie Cook Lunsford--Father of William Perry Lunsford--Walter's Father Payton L. Lunsford served as a Private in the Civil War. He enlisted at age 38 in Caswell Co., June 16th 1861 and was disharged July 19th 1862 for reason of "general disability" His Brother Joseph R. Lunsford also served in the War,enlisted at age 41, June 28th 1861 in Caswell Co. and disharged July 20th 1862, for reason of "general physical anemia"

Robert Walker(1767-1826) Original Homeplace(388 KB)The Original(restored)homeplace of Robert Walker and Ellenor Latta(his wife).Thought to be built around 1809,the homeplace is inOrange County N.C. in the present day community of Rougemont on land still owned by Walker descendants.The family cemetery is located in the side yard of the homeplace.Photo taken during a Walker Reunion in August 2002 at the home of John Thomas Walker,who lives very near the old homeplace.

Catherine James Walker Phelps (1901-1987)(99 KB)My Grandmother--Mother of Wilford Latham Phelps--Wife of Lewis Elmo Phelps--Daughter of Charles Young Walker and Lena Rivers Murray--Grandaughter of Robert Young Walker-Gr.Gr.Gr.Grandaughter of William Walker "The Loyalist" (1743-1819)--My Grandmother was a true "Southern Lady" steeped in the traditions of the Old South--She would rather be "whipped" than appear in Church without being in the latest fashion dress and the perfect hat. She had the fanciest "walk" I ever saw--Made the best Pound Cake in the County--She never learned to drive, but remained fiercely independent and always managed to get where she wanted to go--She loved to talk about family history with me and God Bless her for that.--She would whip you for killing a Blacksnake--And tell you to "make haste" when a chore needed doing--I can see her showing off her new hat to the Heavenly congregation right now.

Robert Walker(1767-1826)--Family Cemetery (176 KB)The Walker family cemetery located in the side yard of the old homeplace. Top picture is a long view with ny Dad in the foreground photographing the house. The bottom picture is the tombstones of Robert Walker(right) and his wife Ellenor Latta(left)

William Perry Lunsford(1901-1980)--My Grandfather(69 KB)William Perry Lunsford--Father of Reba Jean Lunsford Phelps---Husband of Hattie Belle Morton Lunsford--Son of Walter Thomas Lunsford--Grandson of Civil War soldier Payton L. Lunsford. "Perry" as most people knew him by or "Four Points" after the store he ran for many years,was born and raised in Caswell Co.,N.C. He married my grandmother Hattie Belle Morton and had 6 children--Edward Harold,Reba Jean,Patricia Ann,Malinda Jane,Dennis Morton & Malcom Perry(died as an infant 1928). One thing My Grandfather loved to do was "Go Hunting". I can remember as a child sitting in the back of a pickup truck in the dark and listening to a pack of dogs "hot on the trail" of a Fox or Coon and my grandfather would "holler out"--"there's Old Smoky Joe" as he could pick out his dogs from the pack just from the sound of their barks.He also loved Deer hunting as you can see from the picture.He was a staunch member of the local hunting club for many years.In his Later years he was absolutely crazy about "Professional Wrestling" on TV. He would sit on the edge of his chair and holler and swing his arms as if he were in the ring with them. No need to try to talk to him when a Wrestling Match was on.

Charlie & Lena Walker with Daughter Catherine(213 KB)Charles Young Walker and his wife Lena Rivers Murray Walker, my great-grandparents with my grandmother Catherine Walker Phelps, their first born child as a baby. This picture was probablytaken around 1902-1903 as my grandmother Catherine was born November 11, 1901. Picture supplied by my uncle Gordon Elmo Phelps

Cannie Elizabeth Blackwell Morton--(1888-1909)(51 KB)My Great Grandmother--Wife of James Monroe Morton--She was 17 when she married and her husband was 54-She died young when her children were still minors from an accidental overdose of a drug(Belladona or Laudnum)used to control "Spells" (probably seizures)--She was the Gr-Gr-Granddaughter of Capt. Robert Blackwell(1742-1813) a Revolutionary War Soldier and His Wife Zillah Rice Blackwell(1746-1823)daughter of Thomas Rice (1725-1800).The Blackwells' and Rices' both came to Caswell Co.,NC from Hanover Co.,Va.--15 Years after Cannie's death,her husband James Monroe Morton who everybody called "Pug" was kicked in the head by a horse and never recovered from that accident. He laid in bed for a month or two in a kind of coma until he died in 1924,leaving his Daughters Hattie & Gladys as orphans.

Ellis Edward Phelps (1894-1950)(236 KB)My Granduncle Ellis Edward Phelps--Son of Wyatt Edward Phelps and Mollie Fitzgerald Phelps. Ellis was married to Sally Gladys Wrenn and they had two children, Minnie Sue Phelps and Fred Owen Phelps. These pictures were graciously supplied by his daughter Sue Phelps Clubb. Ellis is buried at the old Phelps Homeplace in the family cemetery. Ellis probably received his name from his mother Mollie's father Ellis Fitzgerald whose picture is also on this site

Four Points Store(80 KB)A typical day in the store in the 1930's--young girl in center is my mother Reba--boy with hat on is her brother--my uncle Harold--man behind the counter is my grandfather William Perry Lunsford--My grandfather ran this store for many years--a gas station and general store it was an ideal place for the locals to chew the fat around the stove and catch up on the local gossip--My grandparents lived in the back of store with the whole family until later moving to a house acrross the road--Oh I believe the dog's name was Bruno

Thomas Phelps Sr.-Person County Lands since 1826(27 KB)Thomas Phelps Sr., son of James Phelps of Caswell County, Milton area. A chronicle of the location of Thomas Phelps Sr.'s properties beginning in 1826 when he cane from Caswell Co. to Person Co. NC and the property trail through his descendants, primarily his son James A. Phelps in the Hesters Store-Salem Church area of Person County, N.C.

Last Will of Gabriel Lea (1758-1825)(17 KB)Gabriel Lea-Son of James Lea-Father of Mary Lea-Wife of Elijah Morton-My 4th great Grandfather.His Father James Lea was one of 3 Lea brothers who settled Leasburg NC in the 1740's

Rucker Family Wills(51 KB) Last Will,and some info on Ambrose Rucker my 5th Great Grandfather who was quite a character at 6'6" and 300 lbs.John Rucker,father of Ambrose RuckerPeter Rucker,Grandfather of Ambrose Rucker--My 6th & 7th Great Grandfathers respectively.

The Descendants of Matthew Rippy (1740-1817)(213 KB)Matthew Rippy--Born in Ireland and settled in Orange County,NC (now Alamance Co.)--Father of Joseph Rippy (1773-1851)---Grandfather of Annas Rippy (1805-) who married Joseph Harder (1808-1874)Joseph Harder's will is on this site. Matthew Rippy was my 6th Great-Grandfather

Last Will of James Monroe Morton (1850-1924)(11 KB)James Monroe Morton--Eldest Son of Vincent L. Morton--Grandson of Elijah Morton-Husband of Cannie Elizabeth Blackwell--Father of Hattie Belle Morton Lunsford--My Great-GrandfatherJames Monroe Morton called "Pug" by his friends was born in 1850 in Caswell County N.C. He married Cannie Elizabeth Blackwell May 18th 1905 when he was 54 years old and she was 17.They had two daughters Hattie Belle and Gladys Elizabeth.His wife Cannie died suddenly from an accidental overdose of a drug she took for "spells" (belladonna or laudanum)in 1909 when her children were only 3 years old(Hattie) and 1 year old(Gladys). Fifteen years later He was kicked in the head by a horse and months later died from his injuries in 1924,leaving two underage daughters to cope with the world without a mother or a father. The estate was handled by an executor,R.L.Mitchell until the daughters arrived at the age of 21.

Last Will Of Benjamin Blanchard Sr. (-1719)(24 KB)Benjamin Blanchard Sr. lived in Nansemond County, Virginia and Chowan County, North Carolina where most of his children spread out from.Benjamin's Great-Grandson Frederick Blanchard and his wife Elizabeth Outlaw left Gates County(once part of Chowan) and moved to present day Alamance County, North Carolina(Orange Co.until 1849).

Last Will of James Monroe Morton (1850-1924)(4 KB)James Monroe Morton--Eldest Son of Vincent L. Morton--Grandson of Elijah Morton-Husband of Cannie Elizabeth Blackwell--Father of Hattie Belle Morton Lunsford--My Great-GrandfatherJames Monroe Morton called "Pug" by his friends was born in 1850 in Caswell County N.C. He married Cannie Elizabeth Blackwell May 18th 1905 when he was 54 years old and she was 17.They had two daughters Hattie Belle and Gladys Elizabeth.His wife Cannie died suddenly from an accidental overdose of a drug she took for "spells" (belladonna or laudanum)in 1909 when her children were only 3 years old(Hattie) and 1 year old(Gladys). Fifteen years later He was kicked in the head by a horse and months later died from his injuries in 1924,leaving two underage daughters to cope with the world without a mother or a father. The estate was handled by an executor,R.L.Mitchell until the daughters arrived at the age of 21.

Last Will of Young Dortch-1826(19 KB)Will of Young Dortch-Son of Jessie Dortch-Father of Lucy Dortch-wife of George W. Walker--My 4th Great Grandfather

Last Will of Absalom Blanchard (1730-1785)(17 KB)Absalom Blanchard-Son of Benjamin Blanchard Jr.--Father of Frederick Blanchard who married Elizabeth Outlaw-Whose daughter Mary Blanchard married Henry Trollinger Jr.--Who were parents of Margaret Trollinger.

The Fitzgerald Family(75 KB)The Fitzgerald Family-Some written history of the Fitgerald Family of Person County, NC and Pittsylvania County,Va.--Contributed by my father Wilford Latham Phelps.

Rueben Oliver's 1838 Property Survey(13 KB)Rueben Oliver's property survey and Dower to his wife Nancy Lea Oliver. Rueben Oliver was killed by lightning while fishing on the banks of the Country Line Creek in Caswell County, North Carolina in the summer of 1837.

Civil War Ancestors(12 KB)Civil War Ancestors-My Civil War Ancestors to date--more to follow when time allows.

The Blackwell Family - England to Caswell County(371 KB)This information was abstracted from The Blackwells of Blackwell's Neck: An Inferential Genealogy Based on Material Available, compiled by June Banks Evans, Bryn Ffyliaid Publications, New Orleans LA, 1997, addenda 1999. See Related Links at bottom of this page for ordering information. An extensive genealogy of the Blackwell Family From England to Virginia and North Carolina for my ancestor Robert Blackwell who married Zillah Rice (also from Hanover Co.,Va.)

The Walker Family History-Canadian Kinfolk(1287 KB)A very complete listing of the Walker Family taken from the site of W R Walker. I used to have a link to his site but it doesn't work anymore so I've posted it here so it is not lost. All credit remains with W. R. Walker

Last Will of Joseph Harder(1808-1874)(12 KB)Last Will and Testament of Joseph Harder.He was born in 1808 in Orange County(now Alamance Co.)N.C. and died in 1874 in Alamance County.Joseph Harder married Annas Rippy born 1805 in Orange County(now Alamance)She was the daughter of Joseph Rippy(1773-1851) and granddaughter of Matthew Rippy(1740-1817). Joseph Harder lost no fewer than 4 sons to the Civil War including my Gr-Gr-Gr Grandfather Willis Harder who married Margaret Trollinger,a descendant of Adam Trollinger early settler in Orange County in the 1740's. The Harder and Trollinger families were both of German ancestry and settled in Orange County(now Alamance)long before the Revolutionary War.

Last Will Of Zillah Rice Blackwell(13 KB)Zillah Rice Blackwell-Daughter of Thomas Rice--Wife of Capt. Robert Blackwell--My 4th Great Grandmother-Her Father Thomas Rice named all his children beginning with the letter Z

Last Will Of JohnLatta Sr.(1734-1824)(9 KB)Last Will and Testament of John Latta Sr.-5th Great-grandfather. One of three Latta brothers who came to Orange County in the mid 1700's from Pennsylvania and emigrated frm Ireland. The three brothers were James, John & Joseph who were among the early settlers in Pre-Revolutionary Orange County, N.C. John's daughter Ellenor married Robert Walker,son of William Walker"The Loyalist" and through the generations there have been numerous intermarraiges of the Latta & Walker families even in present generations. John Latta is Buried in St.Mary's Episcopal Chapel cemetery in present day Orange County.

Last Will of William Walker(18 KB)William Walker-The Loyalist..fled to Canada after the Patriots conficated 800 acres of his land.He took his entire family except his eldest Son Robert. He settled on the shores of Lake Ontario in Canada and received 1200 acres from the Crown. He was my Grt-Grt-Grt-Grt-Grt Grandfather. To see the full story see the "Walker Family History-Canadian Kinfolk" on this site.

Last Will of Thomas Rice(16 KB)Thomas Rice--Father of Zillah Rice Blackwell--Served as Sheriff of Caswell County, N.C. and was a Patriot of the American Revolution, Born 1725

Old Medical Ailments Translated(62 KB)Old medical ailments defined with modern day medical terms. These are of great use when understanding old documents such as Mortality Lists etc. A lot of help for the researcher.

Jacob Henry Trollinger-Rev. War Powder Maker(17 KB)Jacob Henry Trollinger-son of Adam Trollinger-When General Cornwallis passed thru the Haw River area of N.C. during the Revolutionary War his troops camped at the Trollinger farm and stole grain from the family grist mill. This enraged Adam Trollinger and when he protested he was lashed to a tree and gagged. This further enraged his son Jacob Henry Trollinger and he moved to a piece of land he owned in Pulaski County, Virginia on which existed a saltpetre mine,a basic ingredient in the making of gunpowder.He and his sons Jacob Henry and John supplied the Patriots with gunpowder throughout the Revolutionary War.

Last Will of Henry Cobb-- The Elder 1679(109 KB)Henry Cobb--The Elder--Great Grandfather of Noah Cobb--Progenitor of our Cobb family in America-Immigrated from England to Massachusetts in the early 1600's--this line has been researched back to John Cobb of Kent,England born Abt.1299 Also some written history, an accounting of the Life of Henry Cobb-The Elder--From England to his Death in Massachusetts in 1679

The Latta Brothers of Orange County N.C.(16 KB)The story of three Latta brothers James--John--Thomas--who came to Orange County in the 1700's from Pennysylvania and immigrated from Ireland. John Latta was my 5th Great Grandfather

Last Will of Frederick Blanchard (1774-1853)(22 KB)Frederick Blanchard with his 1st wife and children moved to present day Alamance County, N.C.(then Orange Co.)from Gates County, N.C. he was the Son of Absalom Blanchard--Father of Mary(Polly) Blanchard who married Henry Trollinger Jr. and Grandfather to Margaret Trollinger whose picture is on this site. Frederick Blanchard was married three times and fathered 15 children. His 1st wife Elizabeth Outlaw's family hailed from the same area as the Blanchards, Gates Co. NC--Chowan Co. NC--and Nansemond Co Va.

The Sellars Family in Alamance County, N.C.(43 KB)An article written by my 3rd cousin Dorothy Sellars Brawley, that was published in The Alamance County Heritage Book. Also some comments from me concerning my Sellars ancestry.

Trollinger Tales from the Revolutionary War(62 KB)The escapades of Henry Trollinger(1762-1844)during the Revolutionary War.Told in his own words in testimony to apply for benefits in Orange Co.N.C.Court record of September 1832.From the time Lord Cornwalls had his father lashed to a tree,Henry was on a mission along with his father Jacob Henry Trollinger, who made gunpowder to help defeat the British. The Trollinger family has been traced back to Bernhardt Drollinger born 1545 in Germany. Henry Trollinger was my 5th Great Grandfather.And the story of Jacob Henry Trollinger-son of Adam Trollinger-When General Cornwallis passed thru the Haw River area of N.C. during the Revolutionary War his troops camped at the Trollinger farm and stole grain from the family grist mill. This enraged Adam Trollinger and when he protested he was lashed to a tree and gagged. This further enraged his son Jacob Henry Trollinger and he moved to a piece of land he owned in Pulaski County, Virginia on which existed a saltpetre mine,a basic ingredient in the making of gunpowder.He and his sons Jacob Henry and John supplied the Patriots with gunpowder throughout the Revolutionary War.

The Confession of John G. Lea(39 KB)John G. Lea confessed in a document unsealed after his death to his involvement and others concerning the murder of John "Chicken" Stephens at the Caswell County Court House in Yanceyville N.C. just after the Civil War. John G. Lea was my 2nd cousin 4 times removed and a great grandson of John "Country Line" Lea, Grandson of John "Canebrake" Lea, and Son of Thomas L. Lea and Ann Wright